5 Ways to Protect Yourself Against Insurance Fraud
You have likely heard of identity theft, credit card theft and someone hacking into a person’s bank account. But, have you heard of health insurance fraud? This is an actual action that occurs, often affecting senior citizens. There are a number of steps that you can take to protect yourself, and those that you love, from insurance fraud. Let’s take a closer look:
Watch Out for Phishing
You may get an email and the sender claims to be your insurance provider. They are requesting some of your personal information in order to process one of your claims, or to continue your coverage. Keep in mind that if your insurance company needed to contact you about something along these lines, they would do so by mail. This type of phishing scam is very common, and it works well with people who aren’t very technically savvy. Always makes sure you confirm the request by contacting your insurance provider and asking if they sent the email.
Verify Your Requests
If you have recently applied for healthcare coverage, and you happen to receive a call about health insurance, be careful what you say at first. If you are asked for your personal information, social security number, health information or billing information, you may want to hang up the phone and call back the number you were given upon filing the initial request.
Keep Your Card Safe
Your health insurance card should be kept in a safe place just like your social security card or driver’s license. You don’t want anyone to see the information on your card and you don’t want anyone getting their hands on it.
Confirm Legitimate Websites
A lot of information is shared on the internet these days, and health insurance companies use the internet as a way to stay in touch with their members. You can even view your current claims, pay bills, etc. Make sure that when you go online, you confirm that you are on a secure website, and that you are on the correct website prior to sharing any information.
Stay Current On Policies
When Obamacare first came out, there was a common scam that was occurring. People were being contacted regarding their ID cards and were told that they needed to provide certain information to get an updated card for their Medicare. This wasn’t an actual process, rather people were phishing for personal information. Make sure you know what is current information and what is not. When in doubt, always hang up and call back the customer service number on your ID card.
There are people everywhere you look who are trying to steal your information and use it to their benefit. If you stay aware of current scams, then you can avoid being a victim of insurance fraud. Your insurance company is also there to protect you. If you are concerned about someone who has contacted you, you can check with your insurance company. You also have the option to contact your local police department if need be.
If you need health insurance in Wilmington NC, Schnitzer-Slate Insurance can help. We are an authorized agency for Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina. We’ll assist you in finding affordable health insurance for you and those you care for. Give us a call at 910 338 0686 or visit us at http://www.healthplannc.com
Watch Out for Phishing
You may get an email and the sender claims to be your insurance provider. They are requesting some of your personal information in order to process one of your claims, or to continue your coverage. Keep in mind that if your insurance company needed to contact you about something along these lines, they would do so by mail. This type of phishing scam is very common, and it works well with people who aren’t very technically savvy. Always makes sure you confirm the request by contacting your insurance provider and asking if they sent the email.
Verify Your Requests
If you have recently applied for healthcare coverage, and you happen to receive a call about health insurance, be careful what you say at first. If you are asked for your personal information, social security number, health information or billing information, you may want to hang up the phone and call back the number you were given upon filing the initial request.
Keep Your Card Safe
Your health insurance card should be kept in a safe place just like your social security card or driver’s license. You don’t want anyone to see the information on your card and you don’t want anyone getting their hands on it.
Confirm Legitimate Websites
A lot of information is shared on the internet these days, and health insurance companies use the internet as a way to stay in touch with their members. You can even view your current claims, pay bills, etc. Make sure that when you go online, you confirm that you are on a secure website, and that you are on the correct website prior to sharing any information.
Stay Current On Policies
When Obamacare first came out, there was a common scam that was occurring. People were being contacted regarding their ID cards and were told that they needed to provide certain information to get an updated card for their Medicare. This wasn’t an actual process, rather people were phishing for personal information. Make sure you know what is current information and what is not. When in doubt, always hang up and call back the customer service number on your ID card.
There are people everywhere you look who are trying to steal your information and use it to their benefit. If you stay aware of current scams, then you can avoid being a victim of insurance fraud. Your insurance company is also there to protect you. If you are concerned about someone who has contacted you, you can check with your insurance company. You also have the option to contact your local police department if need be.
If you need health insurance in Wilmington NC, Schnitzer-Slate Insurance can help. We are an authorized agency for Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina. We’ll assist you in finding affordable health insurance for you and those you care for. Give us a call at 910 338 0686 or visit us at http://www.healthplannc.com